Introduction:
When completing an assigned essay, students are often asked to include a conclusion that summarizes the key takeaways or lessons learned from writing the piece. But what exactly does it mean to include a take away in an essay conclusion? This article will explore the purpose and structure of including takeaways in essay conclusions to help students effectively communicate their most important insights.
What are Takeaways in an Essay Conclusion?
A takeaway in an essay conclusion refers to one or two of the most significant insights, lessons, or conclusions the writer arrived at over the course of researching and writing their paper. Takeaways synthesize the major themes, ideas, or arguments presented in the body of the essay in a concise statement. They highlight for the reader how writing and reflecting on the topic led the writer to a new understanding. Rather than merely recapping what was discussed, takeaways focus on emphasizing the writer’s key take-home messages.
Why Include Takeaways in Conclusions?
There are a few key reasons essays should include takeaways in the conclusion:
It provides closure and allows the reader to walk away remembering the writer’s most compelling ideas. Without takeaways, conclusions risk feeling unfinished or ambiguous.
Takeaways reinforce for the reader the importance and relevance of the topic beyond just presenting information. It shows the writer evaluated outcomes and drew meaningful lessons.
Including takeaways demonstrates higher-level analysis and synthesis skills. It shows the writer understands how individual parts contribute to an overarching conclusion or insight.
Takeaways help to full realize the purpose of many essay assignments, which aim to prompt students to think critically about a subject rather than just report facts.
Admissions officers, interviewers, or clients want to get a sense of how a writer has grown in their understanding. Takeaways allow space for this reflection.
How to Structure Takeaways in a Conclusion
When including takeaways, writers should follow these structural guidelines:
Limit takeaways to one or two key insights. Don’t overstate or list many smaller ideas that don’t fully synthesize the essay.
Directly relate takeaways back to the thesis or central argument stated in the introduction. Show how writing the essay strengthened or changed initial viewpoints.
Use clear, specific language to state takeaways without ambiguity. Avoid vague statements that don’t fully communicate insights to the reader.
Consider phrasing takeaways as “The most significant lesson I learned was…” or “Writing this essay reinforced for me the idea that…”.
Takeaways should feel like a natural extrapolation of the discussion, not an afterthought or bolted on statement. Smoothly transition discussion to conclusion.
If including two takeaways, consider contrasting or complementing the two ideas rather than repeating the same message twice.
Length of each takeaway statement should be 1-2 sentences maximum to keep the ending impactful and concise.
Illustrating Takeaways with an Example
As an example, consider an essay arguing that social media platforms should implement stronger cyberbullying prevention policies. Key takeaways in the conclusion may state:
“Researching this issue demonstrated to me the profound effect cyberbullying can have on both mental health and real-world harm. While technology provides opportunities for connection, companies must prioritize safety and well-being and implement policies to curb online abuse.”
“A second major takeaway is that legislation alone will not solve the problem- meaningful change also requires education and social awareness. As a society, we must uphold standards of empathy, inclusion and respect both on and offline.”
These takeaways succinctly communicate the writer’s most significant lessons learned in a way that leaves the reader with a clear sense of resolution and importance.
Conclusion
Including clearly articulated takeaways in an essay conclusion helps bring the discussion full circle by emphasizing the writer’s key insights and take-home messages. It demonstrates analysis and reflection beyond simply presenting facts or arguments. When constructed following the structural guidelines, takeaways can help make essay conclusions among the most impactful and memorable sections for the reader. With practice, formulating effective takeaways becomes a valuable skill for strengthening conclusions in academic writing and professional communications.